Aerospace America

10/06/2026

The Florida Department of Transportation intends to “streamline” its approval process for new airports to accelerate the arrival of electric air taxi service, a state official said Tuesday.

AUBURNDALE, Fla. — The Florida Department of Transportation intends to “streamline” its approval process for new airports to accelerate the arrival of electric air taxi service, a state official said…

10/06/2026

ON THE COVER: With the first production contracts awarded, the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program is moving forward. We spoke to service officials and industry executives about the ongoing testing and potential challenges ahead.

Share LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Email The U.S. Air Force is moving forward with its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, meant to provide a fleet of drone wingmen to team with conventionally piloted fighter jets. As the CCA concept gains interest around the world, Jen Kirby spoke to service offici...

10/05/2026

California satellite operator Viasat is readying for the launch of a communications satellite that aims to demonstrate commercial spacecraft can take over the duties of NASA’s aging Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) network.

California satellite operator Viasat is readying for the launch of a communications satellite that aims to demonstrate commercial spacecraft can take over the duties of NASA’s aging Tracking and Data…

10/02/2026

In anticipation of increased rocket launches, HAPS and other high-altitude craft, air traffic management authorities in the U.S. and Europe are considering new ways to coordinate flights above 55,000 feet.

For altitudes above 55,000 feet, where no commercial airliners fly, there is currently no air traffic control system. But traffic management concepts could be coming soon, as a result of the sharp…

10/01/2026

The October–December issue of Aerospace America is available now.

INSIDE THE ISSUE:
CCA comes into focus — With the first production contracts awarded, the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program is moving forward.

NASA goes nuclear — The agency is embracing fission power and propulsion to help achieve some of its top priorities.

AI for aircraft design — Commercial aviation companies and regulators are weighing how best to apply these tools.

09/29/2026

After a fly-off earlier this year that challenged competitors to build drones capable of lifting four times their weight, DARPA is readying for a second event in 2028.

After a fly-off earlier this year that challenged competitors to build drones capable of lifting four times their weight, DARPA is readying for a second event in 2028. The first DARPA Lift Challenge…

09/28/2026

SpaceX’s behemoth Starship rocket splashed down Monday at 10:58 a.m. Central near Hawaii, capping the design’s first time orbiting Earth and its longest flight to date.

SpaceX’s behemoth Starship rocket splashed down Monday at 10:58 a.m. Central near Hawaii, capping the design’s first time orbiting Earth and its longest flight to date. The roughly 3-hour flight…

09/28/2026

Q&A: Zeno Power CEO Tyler Bernstein discusses his company’s strategy, the existing regulations and what’s driving renewed interest in space nuclear power.

In 2022, NASA and the U.S. Energy Department announced a handful of study contracts for nuclear reactors that could generate power for at least a decade on the lunar surface. It was a clear indication…

09/23/2026

The U.S. Space Force’s commercial software laboratory is preparing to host its first participants since undergoing an extensive overhaul. The changes are intended to create a more effective pipeline for bringing participants’ software into operational use.

The U.S. Space Force’s commercial software laboratory is preparing to host its first participants since undergoing an extensive overhaul. The changes — which include a new name…

09/22/2026

The Pentagon’s push to incorporate artificial intelligence is presenting both opportunities and challenges in defense training, according to retired Vice Adm. Sean Buck.

The Pentagon’s push to incorporate artificial intelligence is presenting both opportunities and challenges in defense training, according to retired Vice Adm. Sean Buck. “We move every day to more…